August 13th: 'Eagle Day' - the German Luftwaffe launched 1,485 sorties against Britain. The Luftwaffe lost 45 planes and the RAF 13.

August 15th: Germany launched the most intense attack on Great Britain - 1,790 sorties. The Luftwaffe lost 75 planes and the RAF 34.The Greek cruiser "Helle" was torpedoed and sunk - the Italians were strongly suspected of doing this.

August 20th: Italy announced the total blockade of all Britain's Mediterranean and African territories.

August 24th Central London was attacked for the first time by the Luftwaffe

August 25th: The RAF launched its first attack on Berlin.

September 3rd: Lend-Lease was signed.

September 7th: The Blitz on London started with an attack by 300 German bombers supported by 600 fighters.

September 13th: Italy invaded Egypt.

September 15th: The RAF claimed to have shot down 183 German planes during the day - an exaggerated claim.

September 17th: Hitler announced that Operation Sealion was to be postponed "until further notice".

September 28th: The Battle of Britain ended.

October 12th: Operation Sealion was formally cancelled as Hitler concentrated his attention towards the USSR.

October 28th: Italy attacked Greece.

November 11th: The Royal Navy attacked the Italian fleet at Taranto and destroyed 3 battleships.

November 14th: Coventry suffered extensive damage during a bombing raid.

December 9th: The British Army started it campaign in North Africa with Operation Compass.